As Death Toll Rises in the Philippines, the Living Press On

The death toll from Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines jumped to 4,919 Friday afternoon, from 4,015 reported earlier in the morning, according to the latest government figures. The number remains below the estimated 5,100 people killed during Typhoon Uring, the most deadly typhoon to hit the Philippines in recent history, but more than 1,600 people remain missing two weeks after the storm hit, meaning the toll is likely to rise higher.

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Children play basketball at sunset in Tacloban on Nov. 21 in Leyte, Philippines.

In the meantime, life is slowly returning for the survivors. In hard-hit Tacloban on Friday, some banks, supermarkets, hardware stores, and street shops were open, a sign that those who are staying are clawing their way back to a sort of manageable stability.

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Certain food items, such as fruits, have become common sights in the market – though rice is still hard to come by.

“There was significant damage to rice stock here,” said Silke Buhr, spokesperson for the United Nations’ World Food Program. “Rice in the warehouses has been damaged and (is) wet.”

The price of an egg is also double what it was before Typhoon Haiyan struck, noted Patrick Fuller of the Red Cross. In is unclear when the prices of various items will start to stabilize.

Still, the revival of a market economy was being welcomed as a positive sign by locals and relief officials.

Local authorities have implemented a cash-for-work program, in which people can earn small amounts of money by cleaning up and removing debris, and similar reconstruction tasks.

“Cash is becoming a more preferred form of assistance,” said Matthew Cochrane, spokesman for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or UNOCHA, contrasting it to the extra food rations that the government has been offering for work by locals.

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Survivors try to rebuild their shanty following the recent super typhoon on Nov. 21 in Tacloban, Leyte.

Another item in high demand is corrugated iron, which people are using for roofs and walls at their damaged homes.

Leonard Doyle, spokesman for the International Organization for Migration, said the government wants to help people rebuild their homes rather than continue living in tents and other transitional shelters.

“Officials are saying they want to help people rebuild right now with permanent houses,” he said.

According to the government, 4.33 million people were displaced by the storm, though the vast majority are currently living outside shelters, either with friends or family.

Four gas stations are now open in Tacloban City, reported UNOCH, and families are starting to piece their homes and lives back together. On Friday cleanup and repairs were also under way at Dunkin’ Donuts. Damage to housing remains severe, however, and nearly half a million people are still in critical need of food, water and shelter, UNOCHA reported.

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